Entrepreneur Jimmy Godden dies

Jimmy Godden, famous for his
amusements empire along the coast, passed away last night, his
office has confirmed.

It is understood he had been suffering
from cancer.

A spokesman for his office said today:
"Sadly Jimmy Godden did pass away last night.

"As you can understand his family are
grieving but they will be issuing a statement shortly."

Folkestone-born Mr Godden was the
former boss of Dreamland in Margate and the Rotunda in Folkestone
and had also operated Ramsgate Pleasure Park.

He was described as having developed a
wide portfolio of investments and owned other properties in east
Kent such as in Folkestone, including JG’s amusement arcade in the
town centre, and in Dover and Ramsgate.

The Rotunda was a major landmark on
Folkestone seafront and the largest unsupported concrete dome in
Europe.

Dreamland in Margate

It was finally demolished on Mr
Godden’s orders in December 2002.

He said at the time: "People don’t
want to come to the seaside any more for rides.

"We can’t look backwards. The building
was decaying and past its sell by date."